Navy Uncovers 114,500 Litres of Petroleum Products Arrests 10 in Rivers, Delta

The Nigerian Navy has recorded significant operational outcomes in Rivers and Delta States, uncovering approximately 114,500 litres of petroleum products suspected to be linked to crude oil theft and illegal refining in Rivers State, while arresting 10 suspects in a joint anti-illicit drug operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
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in Delta State.

On 15 October 2026, personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH, acting on credible intelligence, discovered a suspected illegal refining site in the Orashi Forest, Ogbogolo community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State. The site contained five large dugout pits holding approximately 105,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, and 18 smaller pits containing about 9,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil. The suspected operators fled upon sighting the naval personnel, and the products were handled in accordance with established procedures.

In a separate operation conducted from 14 to 15 October 2026, NNS DELTA and NDLEA raided locations suspected of being used for the storage, sale and distribution of illicit drugs in Uvwie, Eboh Road, Jakpa Road, Ozuaka community, Orogun, Otokutu and Ughelli. The operation resulted in the arrest of 10 suspects and the recovery of substances suspected to include cocaine, methamphetamine, tramadol, cannabis, cannabis seeds, Colorado and other related exhibits. The suspects and exhibits were handed over to the NDLEA Warri Area Command for further investigation and necessary legal action.

Nigerian Navy

These operations address two distinct threats to national security: the theft and illegal processing of petroleum resources, and the distribution of illicit drugs that fuels criminal activity. The Nigerian Navy will sustain intelligence-led operations and inter-agency cooperation to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt illicit supply networks and support lawful action against offenders, thereby protecting national assets and enhancing security across its areas of responsibility.

Signed AA FOLORUNSHO Captain (Nigerian Navy) Director Naval Information.
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Ondo Crash: NAF Engages Igbokoda Community with Support for Bereaved Families

In a demonstration of its commitment to community engagement and responsible action, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal MC Ekwueme, visited Igbokoda, Ondo State, on the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to engage community leaders and residents following concerns over the potential impact of the ongoing recovery operations on their water source. During the engagement, the AOC acknowledged the concerns raised, assured the community of the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to addressing the issues, and appreciated the people for their patience and cooperation during this difficult period.
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The AOC also engaged personnel at the recovery site, where significant progress is being made despite the challenging terrain and difficult underwater conditions. Multiple pumping machines have been deployed to remove water from the area surrounding the crash site, a critical step towards accessing the main wreckage, which remains submerged and deeply embedded in the riverbed. This painstaking process requires sustained effort, specialised technical support and careful coordination to advance the recovery operations safely and effectively.

The NAF recognises the profound grief of the bereaved families and the concerns of Nigerians awaiting further progress. While the difficult riverbed conditions and the depth at which the wreckage lies make the operations complex, recovery personnel continue to work diligently towards accessing the main wreckage, with due regard for their safety and the dignity of the victims. The ongoing deployment of pumping equipment represents an important step towards facilitating the next phase of recovery.

Beyond the recovery efforts, the CAS has reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to supporting the bereaved families through this painful period. He assured that all applicable entitlements, including benevolent funds, scholarships for eligible children and other approved welfare benefits, would be duly processed. The NAF recognises that its responsibility to the affected families extends beyond the recovery operations and remains committed to providing the necessary support with compassion, dignity and a deep sense of duty. The Service continues to engage with affected families and has established a dedicated helpline at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force to facilitate access to timely and appropriate information.

NAF

The NAF acknowledges the environmental concerns raised by the Igbokoda community and remains committed to engaging with residents and addressing the issues through appropriate channels. The Service appreciates the community’s cooperation and the dedication of personnel and partner agencies working under challenging conditions, and will sustain recovery efforts, support the bereaved families and provide verified updates on significant developments as the operation progresses.

Ehimen Ejodame
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information,
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force.

16 October 2026
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NiDCOM Responds on Apology From Dabiri-Erewa, Over Remarks on Journalism

The attention of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has been drawn to a statement by Mr Livinus Chibuike Victor, demanding a public apology from Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO, over remarks she reportedly made concerning the state of journalism in Nigeria.
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NiDCOM respects the right of every journalist, media practitioner and member of the public to respond to statements made by public officials. Constructive criticism is welcome, and the Commission does not seek to diminish the vital role of the Nigerian media in democracy, accountability and national development.

However, it is important to place the reported remarks in their proper context. During a panel discussion in Lagos, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa criticised specific incidents of inaccurate reporting and the misrepresentation of her response to a social-media post. She also expressed concern about declining professional standards, stating that “some journalism is going to the dogs” and that there were no longer adequate standards or values in certain practices.

Her comments were directed at irresponsible journalism and the failure to verify facts before publication, not at Nigerian journalists as a whole, nor at the noble profession of journalism itself. To present them as a blanket condemnation of all media practitioners is, therefore, a misreading of both her words and her intention.

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa’s record in the media is well known. As a broadcaster with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), she earned national recognition as a presenter and anchor of Newsline. She subsequently served in the House of Representatives, where she sponsored a bill intended to enhance the practice of journalism through stronger professional standards and self-regulation.

That bill was met with intense opposition, and Hon. Dabiri-Erewa was, in many quarters, virtually attacked for attempting to advance a framework that would have strengthened the profession. The proposal sought to create an environment in which journalism could be practised with recognised qualifications, ethical safeguards and institutional accountability.

Had that bill been adopted and properly implemented, journalism in Nigeria would today be a more structured, better regulated and more widely respected profession. It would have provided practitioners with clearer standards, stronger protection and a credible system of self-regulation, while preserving the independence essential to a free press.

NiDCOM therefore rejects the suggestion that Hon. Dabiri-Erewa lacks regard for journalists or seeks to discredit the media. Her intervention arose from personal experience, a longstanding interest in the welfare of the profession and concern that unverified claims can cause serious reputational harm, inflame ethnic tensions and erode public trust.

At the same time, NiDCOM acknowledges that Nigerian journalists often work under difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions. Many continue to investigate wrongdoing, ask difficult questions and give voice to marginalised communities with courage and professionalism. These contributions deserve recognition, and the Commission remains committed to respectful, constructive engagement with the media.

NiDCOM

The appropriate response to concerns about media standards is not a demand for apology over a candid observation, but a renewed national conversation on fact-checking, editorial responsibility, journalist welfare, press freedom and sustainable self-regulation. NiDCOM is ready to contribute to that conversation in a manner that strengthens, rather than weakens, the Nigerian media.

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa stands by her concern for responsible journalism. She also reaffirms her respect for the countless journalists who uphold the highest standards of the profession, often at great personal cost.

Signed:

Abdur-Rahman Balogun. Director: Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM
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